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The Lakers had high hopes of solidifying their roster by acquiring the Hornets' center, Mark Williams. In order to make the trade happen, they were willing to part ways with their 2031 first-round pick, in addition to rookie Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish. Heralded as the perfect fit alongside Luka Doncic, Williams' skills looked impressive on paper. However, there were concerns regarding his back issues, as he had only played in 85 games over three seasons - equivalent to just 39.9% of Charlotte's games since he was drafted. Despite his potential, the Lakers decided to exercise caution and re-evaluate their options.

It was too big a red flag — the Lakers rescinded their trade saying it was "due to failure to satisfy a condition of the trade." The trade was contingent on Williams (and Knecht, although that was not in doubt) passing his physical and he did not. It was not only Williams' back that caused the Lakers medical team to fail him, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

pic.twitter.com/vSBcFUH2SA

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 9, 2025

Because the trade deadline has passed, this trade cannot be amended; the players and pick just return to their original teams.

Teams do not like to cancel trades , especially those as significant as the Lakers-Charlotte trade for Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht. But LA gave up a lot to get Williams, they needed to feel confident he’d be healthy enough to be their starting center for the next 5-10 years.…

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 9, 2025

Williams is averaging 16 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots a game this season, he is mobile and plays a vertical, rim-running game and sets a quality screen — all of which would work with Doncic. But only if Williams is on the court, and the Lakers are not convinced he will be enough.

This leaves the Lakers thin at center for the rest of the season after

trading Anthony Davis to Dallas to land Luka Doncic